Department of Political Science, University of Alberta
Department of History and Classics, University of Alberta
Department of Elementary Education, University of Alberta
Department of Secondary Education, University of Alberta
TV5 – Quebec

Media and media practices in minority and competitive contexts: From local to global

University of Alberta

11-12 May 2012

Few studies have been conducted on the topic of media in minority context. However, in today’s plurilingual and multicultural societies, their role in the functioning of democracy and in the construction of minorities’ cultural identities is crucial. These media are both channels of communication and gathering places or common areas for communities. By connecting individuals who share the same language, these media reinforce solidarity within minority groups as well as their cultural identity, both at the local and global levels. In order to maintain their existence, minority media must also position themselves vis-à-vis the media of the majority to which their audiences also have access.

Conceived as a space for exchange between practitioners and researchers in social sciences, humanities and modern languages, this colloquium seeks to reflect on the role of media in minority contexts from various perspectives and with a comparative angle. The selection committee solicits proposals on any question related to the issue of media in minority contexts, and in particular in relation with questions of: cultural representations (identity, art, translation), democracy (multiculturalism, ethics, media status), networks (national, transnational), professional practice (journalism, technology), language policy and language use. We encourage submissions dealing with different media: television, radio, specialized and general press [newspapers and magazines], posters, internet, etc. We strongly encourage media professionals to participate. Working language will be English and French. Proposals can be submitted in either of these two languages. Selected proceedings of the conference will be published.